Opening Prayer: Let us pray as Advent draws to a close, that Christ will truly come into our hearts.

Lord, fill our hearts with your love, and as you revealed to us by an angel the coming of your Son as man, so lead us through his suffering and death to the glory of his resurrection, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Closing Prayer: Oh, God who loves me with such tenderness, I beg you for moments of quiet in this day and in the days ahead.

I long to savor this joy, this anticipation of the great gift you give us.

I ask for the peace and joy of "watchful hope." Give me the grace to carry in my heart the soul-lifting awareness of Emmanuel - God With Us.

What joy, what a gift.

The Advent song comes to me and fills my heart: "Emmanuel , Emmanuel.

Who are we that you should love us so well?"

I want to walk in gratitude in these last days of Advent and place myself in the service of your plan for me.